Forty years ago, Nixon and Mao “changed the world.” But the press who covered that historic event had more important issues to address, like Walter Cronkite’s socks and Barbara Walter’s loneliness.
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The CCP has no idea how much they will miss this incarnation of the DL when he’s gone, because the 14th incarnation is their Arafat. Is our lasting image of Zhou Enlai to be the smooth, urbane diplomat showing up for talks in Geneva in a tailored-suit, silk tie, and a fedora, exchanging quips about the French Revolution? Or will it be the Zhou Enlai standing on top of Tiananmen with a red armband and a little red book, screeching in a high-pitched hysterical frenzy, “Long Live Chairman Mao!” as hordes of fanatical teenagers chant in the square and the Chairman looks on in approval? I highly recommend Ian Johnson’s review of the post-revisions National Museum of China. “Few countries can compete with China in so completely suppressing the shades of gray about their past.” When faced with an artifact which contradicts accepted narratives, China reacts one of two ways, both of which are similar to how CBS is handling Charlie Sheen. |
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